Beverage Brewer Spray Apparatus Having Accommodation for Multiple Dispersion Members

ABSTRACT

A beverage brewer spray apparatus includes a lid, one or more dispersal members, and a skirt. The lid has obverse and converse surfaces, with at least one recessed region in the obverse surface. The dispersal members extend from the converse surface at open proximal ends. The skirt has a proximal end fixed to and extending outward from the converse surface of the lid. Each dispersal member has a sidewall and a distal end defining an interior of the dispersal member. The sidewall has apertures arranged in a distal section of the sidewall. The lid has through-holes formed between the obverse and converse surfaces, and the dispersal members are fixed to the converse surface such that the through-holes provide fluid communication from the obverse surface of the lid to the apertures through the interiors of the dispersal members. The apertures are configured to direct liquid outward from the dispersal members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/110,260, which was filed on Dec. 2, 2020, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/885,261, which was filed on Jun. 27, 2020, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,259,which was filed on Jun. 23, 2016, which in turn is related to and claimspriority from U.S. Provisional Application for Patent No. 62/249,009,which was filed on Oct. 30, 2015, the entire disclosures of which areincorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to beverage brewing machines and in particular toapparatus for cleaning elements of a beverage brewing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several types of beverages, such as coffee, espresso, tea, yerba mate,and herbal infusions (tisane), are brewed by infusing or steeping groundor shredded beverage material in water or other liquid. These beveragescan also be brewed by using a beverage brewer, or brewing machine.Beverage brewers typically brew a beverage by passing hot or cold waterthrough ground brewing material and collecting the brewed beverage in acontainer such as mug or carafe. Through continued use, a build-up ofbeverage residue can accumulate on elements of the brewer. For example,residue can build up on the walls of a brewing chamber, or on anyconduit through which the brewed beverage flows from the brewing chamberto the container. This residue can cause clogging of the beveragepathway, can affect the taste of beverages brewed in the brewer, and canfoster the growth of bacteria or otherwise provide a less than sanitaryenvironment for making a comestible beverage.

Many elements of a beverage brewer are awkward or difficult to clean orto rinse thoroughly after cleaning, and cleaning of some elements can betime-consuming and require great effort. An apparatus that can be usedto clean these elements of a beverage brewer quickly, easily, thoroughlyand with little effort by a user would be beneficial.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present addresses the above and other needs by providing a brewingmachine cleaner including an assembly for spraying water or cleaningfluid so as to be directed toward the element of the brewing machine tobe cleaned. The assembly can be stationary or moving, such as spinning,and can be used to effectively clean hard-to-reach elements of thebrewing machine. Preferably, the cleaning apparatus can be used to cleanthe brewing machine automatically when in place and the machine isoperated as it would be for a normal brewing operation.

According to an aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer sprayapparatus includes a lid, a dispersal member, and a skirt. The lid hasan obverse surface, a converse surface, and an open peripheral edge. Thedispersal member is fixed to and extends from the converse surface ofthe lid at an open proximal end of the dispersal member. The skirt has aproximal end fixed to and extending outward from the converse surface ofthe lid at a distance from the dispersal member. The dispersal memberhas a sidewall and a closed distal end together defining an interior ofthe dispersal member. The sidewall has a plurality of apertures formedtherethrough, arranged in a distal section of the sidewall. The lid hasa lid through-hole formed between the obverse surface and the conversesurface, and the dispersal member is fixed to the converse surface ofthe lid such that the lid through-hole provides fluid communication fromthe obverse surface of the lid to the plurality of apertures through theinterior of the dispersal member. The apertures are configured to directliquid from the interior of the dispersal member generally outward fromthe dispersal member.

The preferably are substantially compacted in cross-section. Forexample, the apertures can be substantially round or square incross-section.

The apertures can be arranged in multiple rows along a length of thedispersal member.

The apertures can be configured within a thickness of the sidewall ofthe dispersal member to direct liquid from the interior of the dispersalmember generally outward from the dispersal member to at least thedistance from the dispersal member. For example, the apertures can beconfigured as to shape and/or angle within the thickness of the sidewallof the dispersal member.

The apertures can be angled within a thickness of the sidewall of thedispersal member so as not to be perpendicular to the sidewall of thedispersal member.

The apertures can be arranged in a distal half of the dispersal member.

The dispersal member can extend from the converse surface of the lid adistance that is farther than a distance that the skirt extends from theconverse surface of the lid. The apertures preferably are arranged adistance away from the converse surface of the lid that is farther thana distance that a distal end of the skirt is arranged from the conversesurface of the lid.

The obverse surface and the converse surface can be substantially planarand parallel to each other.

The proximal end of the dispersal member can be sealed to the conversesurface of the lid at the lid through-hole.

A proximal portion of the skirt can extend from the converse surface ofthe lid at a substantially right angle and a distal portion of the skirtcan taper inward.

The skirt can be fixed to the converse surface of the lid at a distancefrom the peripheral edge of the lid such that a peripheral portion ofthe lid extends beyond an outside surface of the skirt, forming a ledgearound the skirt. The ledge can be configured to be supported on anouter edge of a brewing chamber, and the skirt can be configured to bearranged within the brewing chamber when the ledge is supported on theouter edge of the brewing chamber. The skirt can be configured to engagea sidewall of the brewing chamber such that the skirt is removablycoupled to the brewing chamber such that the lid seals an open end ofthe brewing chamber.

A distance that the skirt extends outward from the converse surface ofthe lid is preferably at least half a distance that the dispersal memberextends from the converse surface of the lid.

According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer andspray apparatus arrangement includes a beverage brewer, and the beveragebrewer spray apparatus. The beverage brewer can include an injectiontube, a brewing chamber configured to receive fluid from the injectiontube, and an outflow tube configured to receive fluid from the brewingchamber. The skirt can be configured to guide the dispersal member intoan open proximal end of the brewing chamber such that the dispersalmember is arranged within an interior of the brewing chamber. The lidthrough-hole can be configured to receive an end of the injection tubesuch that the dispersal member receives the fluid from the injectiontube and disperses the received fluid through the plurality ofapertures. The apertures can be configured to direct the fluid generallyoutward from the dispersal member against a sidewall of the brewingchamber. The outflow tube can be configured to receive the dispersedfluid from the brewing chamber.

The apertures can be configured as to at least one of shape and anglewithin a thickness of the sidewall of the dispersal member.

The skirt can be configured to engage a sidewall of the brewing chambersuch that the skirt is removably coupled to the brewing chamber suchthat the lid seals an open end of the brewing chamber.

The beverage brewer spray apparatus can also include a container made offluid-impermeable material. The container can include a distal wall, asidewall, and an open proximal end. The sidewall is fixed at a distaledge to a periphery of the distal wall such that inner surfaces of thedistal wall and sidewall define an interior. The open proximal end isdefined by a proximal edge of the sidewall. The skirt and the containerare configured to mutually engage such that the open proximal end of thecontainer is removably coupled to the skirt such that the lid seals theopen proximal end of the container. The inner surface of the containersidewall has no openings.

The skirt and the container can be configured to mutually engage suchthat an outside surface of the open proximal end of the container isremovably coupled to an inside surface of the skirt such that the lidseals the open proximal end of the container. The skirt can beconfigured to engage a sidewall of the brewing chamber such that anoutside surface of the skirt is removably coupled to the brewing chambersuch that the lid seals an open end of the brewing chamber.

The container sidewall preferably has a substantially uniform height.

An outer surface of the distal wall can be flat and can define an outerboundary of the container.

The distal wall can be made of rubber.

The distal wall of the container can include an unobstructed containerthrough-hole. Preferably, the container through-hole and the openproximal end of the container are the only openings in the surface ofthe interior of the container.

The container through-hole can be configured to accommodate the outflowtube such that at least an end of the outflow tube is disposed withinthe interior of the container to receive the dispersed fluid from thebrewing chamber.

The outflow tube can be configured to pierce the distal wall of thecontainer such that at least an end of the outflow tube is disposedwithin the interior of the container to receive the dispersed fluid fromthe brewing chamber.

An outer surface of the skirt and a surface of the interior of thecontainer can be configured for mutual sliding engagement so that thecontainer is removably coupled to the skirt such that the dispersalmember is disposed in the interior of the container.

The outer surface of the skirt can include scoring to provide a frictionfit for mutual sliding engagement.

The outer surface of the skirt can include an annular raised portion andthe surface of the interior of the container includes a correspondingannular recessed portion to provide mutual sliding positive engagement.

According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer sprayapparatus includes a lid, at least one dispersal member, and a skirt.The lid has an obverse surface, a converse surface, and an openperipheral edge, with at least one recessed region in the obversesurface of the lid. The dispersal member(s) is/are fixed to and extendfrom the converse surface of the lid at an open proximal end of thedispersal member. The skirt has a proximal end fixed to and extendingoutward from the converse surface of the lid at a distance from thedispersal members. Each dispersal member has a sidewall and a distal endtogether defining an interior of the dispersal member. The sidewall hasa plurality of apertures formed therethrough, arranged in a distalsection of the sidewall. The distal end is at least partially closed.The lid has at least one lid through-hole formed between the obversesurface and the converse surface, and each dispersal member is fixed tothe converse surface of the lid such that a corresponding lidthrough-hole provides fluid communication from the obverse surface ofthe lid to the plurality of apertures through the interior of thecorresponding dispersal member. The apertures are configured to directliquid from the interior of the dispersal members generally outward fromthe dispersal members.

The apertures can perforate an edge of the distal end of at least one ofthe dispersal members.

The apertures can be arranged in a row around an end of at least one ofthe dispersal members.

The apertures can be configured within a thickness of the sidewalls ofthe dispersal members to direct liquid from the interior of thedispersal members generally outward from the dispersal members to atleast the distance from the dispersal members. The apertures can beconfigured as to shape and/or angle within the thickness of thesidewalls of the dispersal members.

The apertures can be angled within a thickness of the sidewalls of thedispersal members so as not to be perpendicular to the sidewalls of thedispersal members.

The apertures can be arranged in a distal half of the dispersal member.

At least one of the dispersal members can extend from the conversesurface of the lid a distance that is farther than a distance that theskirt extends from the converse surface of the lid. The apertures can bearranged a distance away from the converse surface of the lid that isfarther than a distance that a distal end of the skirt is arranged fromthe converse surface of the lid, that is, the apertures can extendfarther from the lid than the skirt does.

At least one of the dispersal members can extend from the conversesurface of the lid a distance that is farther than a distance that atleast one other dispersal member extends from the converse surface ofthe lid, that is, at least one of the dispersal members can be longerthan at least one of the others.

The obverse surface and the converse surface of the lid can besubstantially planar and parallel to each other.

The proximal end of the dispersal member can be sealed to the conversesurface of the lid at the lid through-hole.

A proximal portion of the skirt can extend from the converse surface ofthe lid at a substantially right angle and a distal portion of the skirtcan taper inward.

The skirt can be fixed to the converse surface of the lid at a distancefrom the peripheral edge of the lid such that a peripheral portion ofthe lid extends beyond an outside surface of the skirt, forming a ledgeof the lid around the skirt. The ledge can be configured to be supportedon an outer edge of a brewing chamber, and the skirt can be configuredto be arranged within the brewing chamber when the ledge is supported onthe outer edge of the brewing chamber. The skirt can be configured toengage a sidewall of the brewing chamber such that the skirt isremovably coupled to the brewing chamber such that the lid seals an openend of the brewing chamber.

The skirt can be tiered such that a portion of the skirt closest to thelid has a larger diameter than a portion of the skirt farthest from thelid.

The skirt can be tapered such that a portion of the skirt closest to thelid has a larger diameter than a portion of the skirt farthest from thelid.

A distance that the skirt extends outward from the converse surface ofthe lid can be at least half a distance that the dispersal memberextends from the converse surface of the lid.

According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage brewer andspray apparatus arrangement includes a beverage brewer, and the beveragebrewer spray apparatus. The beverage brewer includes a number ofinjection tubes, a brewing chamber configured to receive fluid from theinjection tubes, and an outflow tube configured to receive fluid fromthe brewing chamber. The skirt is configured to guide the dispersalmembers into an open proximal end of the brewing chamber such that thedispersal members are arranged within an interior of the brewingchamber. Each lid through-hole is configured to receive a correspondingend of one of the injection tubes such that each dispersal memberreceives the fluid from the corresponding injection tube and dispersesthe received fluid through the plurality of apertures. The apertures areconfigured to direct the fluid generally outward from the dispersalmember against a sidewall of the brewing chamber. The outflow tube isconfigured to receive the dispersed fluid from the brewing chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention aredisclosed more fully in the following detailed description thereof,presented with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front view of a beverage brewer according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the beverage brewer according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 1 C is a top view of the beverage brewer according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the beverage brewer with an open lid.

FIG. 2A is a functional diagram of the beverage brewer.

FIG. 3A is a top view of an exemplary dynamic brewing chamber cleaneraccording to the invention.

FIG. 3B is a side view of an exemplary dynamic brewing chamber cleaneraccording to the invention.

FIG. 3C is a side view of an exemplary dynamic brewing chamber cleaneraccording to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dynamic brewing chambercleaner according to the invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3C.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dynamic brewing chambercleaner according to the invention taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6A shows a side view of an exemplary dynamic brewing chambercleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 6B shows a side view of an exemplary dynamic brewing chambercleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dynamic brewingchamber cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dynamic brewingchamber cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dynamic brewing chambercleaner according to the invention taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary dynamic brewing chamber cleaner attachable toa beverage brewer nozzle, according to the invention

FIG. 11 shows a beverage brewer with an exemplary dynamic brewingchamber cleaner according to the invention, attached to the nozzle.

FIG. 12 shows a beverage brewer including a rotating shaft engaging anexemplary brewing chamber cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dynamic brewingchamber cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 14 shows a beverage brewer including stator windings in anexemplary brewing chamber cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 15A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dynamic brewingchamber cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 15B shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dynamic brewingchamber cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 16 shows a beverage brewer including an offset rotating shaftengaging an exemplary brewing chamber cleaner according to theinvention.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dynamic brewingchamber cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dynamic brewingchamber cleaner including dynamic water dispersion according to theinvention.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dome according to theinvention, taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary one-dimensional domeaccording to the invention, taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a side view of an exemplary fixed brewing chamber cleaneraccording to the invention.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fixed brewing chambercleaner according to the invention, taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23A is a side view of an exemplary extraction nozzle cleaningaccessory according to the invention.

FIG. 23B is a top view of an exemplary extraction nozzle cleaningaccessory according to the invention.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary extraction nozzlecleaning accessory according to the invention, taken along line 24-24 ofFIG. 23B.

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary brewing chamber configuration and anexemplary brewing chamber cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 26 shows an end view of an exemplary brewing chamber cleaneraccording to the invention.

FIG. 27 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary brewing chambercleaner according to the invention, taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28A shows a side view of an exemplary extraction nozzle cleaneraccording to the invention.

FIG. 28B shows an end view of an exemplary extraction nozzle cleaneraccording to the invention.

FIG. 29 shows an exemplary brewing chamber configuration and anexemplary brewing chamber cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 30A shows a side view of an exemplary brewing chamber cleaneraccording to the invention.

FIG. 30B shows a bottom view of an exemplary brewing chamber cleaneraccording to the invention.

FIG. 31 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary brewing chambercleaner according to the invention, taken alone line 31-31 of FIG. 30B,

FIG. 32 shows a multi-cup beverage brewer and an exemplary brewingchamber cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 33 shows an underside view of an exemplary beverage brewer sprayapparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 34 shows an underside view of an exemplary beverage brewer sprayapparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 35 shows a top-side view of an exemplary beverage brewer sprayapparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 36 shows a top-side view of an exemplary beverage brewer sprayapparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 37 shows a top view of an exemplary beverage brewer spray apparatusaccording to the invention.

FIG. 38 shows a bottom view of an exemplary beverage brewer sprayapparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 39 shows a side view of an exemplary beverage brewer sprayapparatus according to the invention.

FIG. 40 shows a side view of an exemplary beverage brewer sprayapparatus according to the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, a typical beverage brewer 10 includes a base12, a brewing chamber lid 14, a lid handle 16, a water container 18, adisplay 20, controls 22, and platform 24. Although this exemplaryconventional brewer is shown, the invention is contemplated for use withany brewer operating to brew a beverage by passing water through groundbrewing material. A cup 26 or other container rests on the platform 24.The beverage brewer 10 provides a flow of water through brewing materialto produce a brewed beverage. If hot brewing is desired, the flow ofwater can be heated by one of any known means, for example, through theuse of an electrical heating coil, inductive heating, or a conductivecoating on tubing carrying the water.

With reference to FIG. 2, the beverage brewer 10 brewing chamber lid 14can be lifted or removed to uncover the brewing chamber 29, allowingplacement of a brewing material holder 30, or a brewing chamber cleaner31 according to the invention, inside the brewing chamber 29. Thebrewing material holder 30 is used when brewing a beverage in theconventional manner, and the brewing chamber cleaner 31 of the inventionis used when cleaning the brewing chamber 29 and/or other elements ofthe beverage brewer 10. The brewing chamber lid 14 includes a lid hinge14′, and a water tube 15 carries heated water into the lid 14. A pad 17is arranged on a bottom surface of the brewing chamber lid 14 andpresses against the brewing chamber cleaner 31 when the brewing chamberlid 14 is closed, and sprays liquid into the brewing chamber to cleanthe brewing chamber. An injection nozzle 19 a extending down from thebrewing chamber lid 14 directs the flow of liquid into brewing materialholder 30 when brewing or the brewing chamber cleaner 31 when cleaning,and an extraction nozzle 19 b extends up into the brewing chamber 29 toreceive and carry the brewed beverage or cleaning liquid from thebrewing chamber 29.

A functional diagram of the beverage brewer 10 is shown in FIG. 2A. Theexemplary conventional beverage brewer 10 includes a water tank 18, awater pump 21, a heater 13, a check valve 23, and a nozzle 19. The pump21 provides water under pressure to the nozzle 19. The water heater 13heats the water, if desired, for brewing or cleaning. The check valve 23limits the water pressure at the nozzle 19 by returning some of thewater flow to the water tank 18 if the pressure at the check valve 23exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, a dynamic brewing chamber cleaner 31, used inplace of the brewing material holder when cleaning the beverage brewer10, includes a lid 32 and a column 34. The lid 32 positions the brewingchamber cleaner with respect to the brewing chamber 29. A seal 33extends up from the lid 32 to seal to the beverage brewer 10 (see FIG.2) to provide a flow of water 42 under pressure to the dynamic brewingchamber cleaner 31. The lid 32 can be configured to be held in thebeverage brewer so as to close off the open top end of the brewingchamber 29 for cleaning, during which process there is no brewingmaterial holder in the brewing chamber 29.

The brewing chamber cleaner 31 can be configured to be used in beveragebrewers that include a top nozzle or puncture needle for injectingpressurized water into a brewing cartridge (pre-loaded and disposablesingle-use type, or refillable and reusable type), and a bottom nozzleor puncture needle for receiving the brewed beverage and delivering thebeverage to a container. In this case, the brewing chamber cleaner 31 isplaced on the brewing chamber in place of the brewing cartridge. Apressurized flow of water 42 enters the brewing chamber cleaner 31through a through-hole 47 in the lid 32 via the top nozzle or punctureneedle. Preferably, the lid is arranged on the upper rim of the brewingchamber of the beverage brewer. Alternatively, a frame 40 can optionallybe attached to the lid 32, to provide a perimeter configured to bearranged in the brewing chamber of the beverage brewer to providesupport for the brewing chamber cleaner 31 while avoiding the bottomnozzle or puncture needle.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a column (or dispensing member) 34 having aninterior 34 a is rotatably attached to the lid 32. The hollow column 34includes ports (or orifices) 39 is configured to receive liquid in thehollow interior 34 a and to release radial sprays 38 of the liquid (forexample, water or cleaning solution) into the brewing chamber 29. Thecolumn 34 includes at least one arm 35 extending radially and includingports 37 releasing sprays of water 36. Force generated by the sprays ofwater 36 urge the column 34 to spin, and the spinning sprays of waterclean the brewing chamber 29.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and B, an alternative embodiment of the dynamicbrewing chamber cleaner 31 a includes slots 39 a configured to providesheets of water 38 a for cleaning the brewing chamber, and ports 37provide flows of water 36 that cause rotation of the column 34 a. Thisembodiment of the dynamic brewing chamber cleaner 31 a is otherwisesimilar to the dynamic brewing chamber cleaner 31.

Referring to FIG. 7, in an alternative embodiment the water flow 42through the internal propeller elements 43 causes the column 34 a tospin, thus providing dynamic water dispersion into the brewing chamber29. This embodiment of the dynamic brewing chamber cleaner 31 b isotherwise similar to the dynamic brewing chamber cleaner 31.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in an alternative embodiment the ports 39 bdirect the flows 36 to rotate the column 34 b, which does not includethe arms 35. This embodiment of the dynamic brewing chamber cleaner 31 cis otherwise similar to the brewing chamber cleaner 31.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in an alternative embodiment brewingchamber cleaner 31 d is similar to the brewing chamber cleaner 31, butincludes a bearing or bushing 52 rotatably connecting the column 34 d tothe nozzle 19 a.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in an alternative embodiment a rotatingshaft 50 engages a socket 52 to spin the column 34 e.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15A and B, a beverage brewer 10 b includesstator windings 52 creating a rotating stator field in an alternativeembodiment of the chamber cleaner 31 f, including dynamic waterdispersion including magnets 54 a rotated by the rotating stator fieldand a squirrel cage 54 b rotated by the rotating stator field,respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a beverage brewer 10 c including an offsetrotating shaft 56 engaging an alternative embodiment of the chambercleaner 31 g, including dynamic water dispersion and an offset shaft 57engaging the offset shaft 56, and gears 58 and 59 rotating the centercolumn. The offset shafts avoid the nozzle 19 a and through-hole 47. Thegears 58 and 59 can be replaced by rollers, or by a belt and hubs.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, an alternative embodiment of a dynamicbrewing chamber cleaner 31 h includes a dome 60 configured to dispersewater. The dome 60 can be rotated by offset sprays from ports 62 similarto sprays 36 (see FIG. 5), or the dome 60 can be rotated by any of thestructures included in the brewing chamber cleaners 31 a-30 g. The dome60 includes at least one dispersion port 64, and preferably multiplesuch dispersion ports 64. An alternative one-dimensional dome 60 a isshown in FIG. 20, having a single row of dispersion ports 64.

With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, a brewing chamber cleaner 31 iincludes a lid 32 having outer and inner surfaces. Preferably, the lidis round, and the inner and outer surfaces are parallel, although thelid can assume any shape. A dispersal member 68 is attached to andextends from the inner surface of the lid 32, preferably at a rightangle. The dispersal member 68 is tubular, preferably having a roundcross-section, with a sidewall that encloses a hollow interior. Thesidewall terminates at an opening at the end of the dispersal member 68attached to the inner surface of the lid 32, and the other end of thedispersal member 68 has a closed, preferably blunt surface at thetermination of the sidewall to provide backflow pressure of fluid withinthe dispersal member 68. The opening at the end of the dispersal member68 attached to the inner surface of the lid 32 at least partially alignswith the through-hole 47, to provide fluid communication from the outersurface of the lid 32 to the interior of the dispersal member 68, andthe dispersal member 68 is preferably sealed against the inner surfaceof the lid 32 around the through-hole 47. A skirt 74 is also attached toand extends outward from the inner surface of the lid 32.

The sidewall of the dispersal member 68 includes a number of apertures70 arranged in the distal half of the dispersal member 68, that is,toward the closed end of the dispersal member 68. Preferably, theapertures 70 are arranged only at the distal half of the dispersalmember 68. The apertures 70 allow fluid communication from the hollowinterior of the dispersal member 68 to outside the dispersal member 68,such that liquid inside the dispersal member 68 can spray 38 outward.Selective placement, orientation, and shape of the apertures 70 canadvantageously direct the spray 38 and affect the intensity of the spray38. For example, the apertures 70 can have a cross-section of between0.5 mm² and 12 mm², between 1.6 mm² and 10 mm², or about 6 mm², varyingin size or having a uniform size. FIGS. 21 and 22 show one and two rowsof apertures 70, respectively, but the dispersal member 68 can have anynumber of rows of apertures 70. The apertures 70 need not be arranged inrows at all, and can be distributed on the sidewall in any manner.Preferably, the apertures 70 are not elongated in cross-section, inorder to provide a spray that is generally perpendicular to thedispersal member 68 sidewall and directed to the brewing chambersidewall. For example, the apertures 70 preferably have a cross-sectionthat is round, or square, or otherwise compacted rather than elongated.

The brewing chamber cleaner 31 i also includes a skirt 74 that isconfigured to guide the brewing chamber cleaner 31 i into optimalposition above the brewing chamber 29 (see FIG. 2) and to resist orlimit lateral movement of the cleaner 31 i when in use. The skirt 74 canbe tapered to simplify placement on the brewing chamber 29. The skirt 74can be sized for a tight fit against a brewing chamber for cleaning orcan be sized smaller for general placement of the cleaner 31 i. If thetighter fit is desired, the skirt 74 can include a seal 76, for examplein the form of a resilient annular ring, to fill any gap between theskirt 74 and the wall of the brewing chamber.

Thus, the brewing chamber cleaner 31 i is a beverage brewer sprayapparatus that can be used to spray 38 the walls of a beverage brewer inorder to rinse residue from the walls and clean the interior of thebrewing chamber. Water, heated or not, can be used with the cleaner 31i, or cleaning fluid can be used to spray 38 the brewing chamber.

For example, a typical beverage brewer for use with the cleaner 31 iincludes an injection tube, a brewing chamber configured to receivefluid from the injection tube, and an outflow tube configured to receivefluid from the brewing chamber. During a brewing process, the injectiontube receives water, typically heated, and provides the water to thebrewing chamber. The brewing chamber typically contains a carrier forground brewing material, such as a filter pod (including tea bags), aplastic single-use beverage cartridge (such as a Keurig® K-Cup®), or areusable beverage material holder (such as any of the Perfect Pod®reusable filter cups). Water from the injection tube passes through theground beverage material in the carrier to brew the beverage, which thenflows out of the brewing chamber through the outflow tube. If thecarrier has a closed, water-impermeable surface, the injection tube canbe an injection needle with a sharp edge. Likewise, the outflow tube canbe an outflow needle having a sharp edge.

The skirt 74 is configured to guide the dispersal member 68 into an openend of the brewing chamber so that the dispersal member 68 is arrangedwithin the interior of the brewing chamber. That is, an outer surface ofthe skirt and a surface of the interior of the brewing chamber areconfigured for mutual sliding engagement so that the skirt 74 isremovably coupled to the brewing chamber such that the dispersal member68 is disposed in the interior of the brewing chamber. The skirt 74 canbe sized to provide a close fit against the inner sidewall of thebrewing chamber, or can be sized for a less close fit so that itfacilitates proper placement of the cleaner 31 i, which can be supportedabove the brewing chamber by the lid 32. For example, a rim 77 of thelid 32 can extend radially beyond the outer edge of the skirt 74 tosupport the brewing chamber cleaner 31 i above the brewing chamber 29whether the fit is close or not. The skirt 74 can include scoring 75 toprovide a friction fit to the walls of the brewing chamber. That is, thesurface of the skirt 74 can have scratches or be otherwise textured toincrease the friction of the surface of the skirt 74. Alternatively, theouter surface of the skirt 74 can include a raised portion, such as anannular raised portion, and the surface of the interior of the brewingchamber can include a corresponding recessed portion to provide mutualsliding positive engagement. As another alternative to scoring 75 on theskirt 74 surface, the skirt 74 can include a seal 76, such as aresilient ring captured in a groove or other sealing arrangement. Thelid through-hole 47 is preferably arranged in the center of the lid andis configured to receive an end of the injection tube, whether sharpenedor not, so that the dispersal member 68 receives fluid (water orcleaning fluid) from the injection tube and disperses the received fluidthrough the plurality of apertures 70 in the dispersal member 68, aidedby the backflow pressure created at the closed end of the dispersalmember 68. The apertures 70 are sized and oriented to disperse the fluidradially away from the dispersal member 68 and against the sidewall ofthe brewing chamber so as to clean the brewing chamber sidewall. Some ofthe apertures 70 can be configured to direct the flow of fluid downwardto wash the floor of the brewing chamber, but at least some of theapertures 70 are configured to direct the flow specifically at thebrewing chamber sidewall.

The apertures 70 are configured to provide this direction of flow, forexample, by the size, shape, and angle of the aperture 70 within thesidewall of the dispersal member 68. That is, the sidewall of thedispersal member 68 has a thickness, and therefore each aperture 70 hasa three-dimensional shape within the dispersal member 68 sidewall. Theapertures 70 can all be sized and shaped uniformly, or differently insets, or independently, with the resulting spray 38 coordinating toproduce the desired coverage on the sidewalls of the brewing chamber, aswell as on the floor of the brewing chamber if desired. Any or all ofthe apertures 70 can be cylindrical, with parallel walls and a uniformdiameter. Alternatively, any or all of the apertures 70 can vary incross-section along the length of the aperture, either uniformly in aconical cross-section, or modulating, or undulating (periodically orotherwise). Regardless of shape, any or all of the apertures 70 can beangled in any direction. The combination of the length, shape, anddirection of the aperture, as well as the pressure of the fluid in theinterior of the dispersal member 68, will dictate the pattern and forceof the fluid spray 38 out of the dispersal member 68. The outflow tubeis configured to receive the dispersed fluid from the brewing chamberafter it has sprayed the brewing chamber and washed down the sidewallsof the brewing chamber.

The cleaner 31 i can also be used specifically to clean the outflowtube. With reference to FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 24, an extraction nozzlecleaner 80 can include a container made of fluid-impermeable material.As shown, the container can include a distal wall, shown here at thebottom, and a sidewall fixed at a distal or bottom edge to a peripheryof the distal wall and extending from the distal wall. Inner surfaces ofthe distal wall and sidewall define an interior of the container, and anopen proximal end is defined by a proximal edge of the sidewalloutermost from the distal wall. As shown, the distal wall of thecontainer includes an unobstructed container through-hole 84, That is,this through-hole accommodates the outflow tube so that the outflow tubecan extend into the interior of the container without bending orotherwise having to accommodate an internal path of the through-hole.The cleaner 31 i cleans the outflow tube by providing fluid, such aswater or cleaning fluid (either of which can be heated) to the interiorof the container. The fluid then passes through the outflow tube inorder to clean the outflow tube. To be sure that the fluid is directedto the outflow tube, the inner surface of the container sidewallpreferably has no openings, so that the container through-hole 84 andthe open proximal end of the container are the only openings in thesurface of the interior of the container. To accommodate the layout ofthe particular beverage brewing coupled with the cleaner 31 i, thecontainer through-hole 84 is located in the distal wall in the properlocation, whether central in the distal wall or offset from a center ofthe distal surface of the container.

In this arrangement, the skirt 74 and the container are configured tomutually engage such that the open proximal end of the container isremovably coupled to the skirt 74, preferably such that the lid sealsthe open proximal end of the container. That is, an outer surface of theskirt 74 and a surface of the interior of the container are configuredfor mutual sliding engagement so that the container is removablycouplable to the skirt 74 such that the dispersal member 68 is disposedin the interior of the container. In this case, the skirt 74 isconfigured to guide the dispersal member 68 into the open end of thecontainer so that the dispersal member 68 is arranged within theinterior of the container. The skirt 74 preferably is sized to provide aclose fit against the inner sidewall of the container, but can be sizedfor a less close fit so that it facilitates proper placement of thecleaner 31 i, which can be supported above the container by the lid 32.For example, a rim 77 of the lid 32 can extend radially beyond the outeredge of the skirt 74 to support the brewing chamber cleaner 31 i abovethe container whether the fit is close or not. The skirt 74 can includescoring 75 to provide a friction fit to the walls of the container whenthe cleaner 31 i is configured for a close fit that seals to thecontainer. Alternatively, the outer surface of the skirt 74 can includea raised portion, such as an annular raised portion, and the surface ofthe interior of the container can include a corresponding recessedportion to provide mutual sliding positive engagement.

Preferably, the skirt 74 at least partially encompasses the dispersalmember 68. For example, the skirt 74 can form a closed ring or bordersurrounding the dispersal member 68 to provide contact around the entireperiphery of the brewing chamber. Alternatively, the skirt 74 can bemade of skirt 74 sections arranged at different locations around thelid, to contact corresponding sections of the periphery of the brewingchamber, with gaps between the sections. For example, the skirt 74 caninclude two skirt 74 sections arranged opposite each other on the lid,with each section being large enough to secure the lid to the brewingchamber and around the dispersal member 68. It should be apparent thatthree, four, or any number of skirt 74 sections can make up the skirt74, as long as they are arranged to secure the lid to the brewingchamber and surround the dispersal member 68. To provide a securecoupling with the brewing chamber or container, the length of the skirt74 with respect to the length of the dispersal member 68 should also beconsidered. For example, in some applications it would be advantageousfor a distance that the skirt 74 extends outward from the conversesurface of the lid to be at least half a distance that the dispersalmember 68 extends from the converse surface of the lid, in order toprovide secure coupling between the skirt 74 and the brewing chamber orcontainer.

The skirt 74, whether composed of a single piece or multiple sections,should have a length that provides secure contact with the sidewall ofthe brewing chamber. However, the skirt 74 should not extend lower thanthe lower end of the dispersal member 68, and preferably no lower thanthe portion of the dispersal member 68 that includes the apertures 70.That is, the dispersal member 68 should extend from the converse surfaceof the lid a distance that is farther than a distance that the skirt 74extends from the converse surface of the lid, so that the skirt 74doesn't block the spray 38 from the apertures 70. Further, the skirt 74preferably extends from the converse surface of the lid at asubstantially right angle, to correspond to the angle of the brewingchamber sidewall. Of course, if the brewing chamber sidewall is angleddifferently, the angle of the skirt 74 should correspond to that angle.Because the skirt 74 preferably has a tight fit against the sidewall ofthe brewing chamber, the leading end of the skirt 74 can taper inward,to facilitate locating the skirt 74 inside the brewing chamber sidewallbefore pressing down on or screwing in the lid to secure the apparatus.Because the apparatus can be used with various different brewingmachines and therefore with brewing chambers having various differentsizes, the skirt 74 can be fixed to the converse surface of the lid at adistance from the peripheral edge of the lid such that a peripheralportion of the lid extends beyond an outside surface of the skirt 74,forming a ledge around the skirt 74. Therefore, for larger brewingchambers in which the skirt 74 is not a tight fit, the apparatus canstill rest above the brewing chamber, supported by the ledge. Also, ifthe skirt 74 is sized to couple with a container as described above, theapparatus can still be used to clean the brewing chamber when usedwithout the container, again by supporting the apparatus above thebrewing chamber on the ledge.

In order for the cleaner 31 i to reliably couple with the container, thecontainer sidewall preferably has a substantially uniform height,although this is not necessary, as long as the rim 77 of the containerprovides a firm surface on which the rim 77 of the lid 32 can rest, orthe inner sidewall of the container provides a firm enough surface tomaintain contact with the skirt 74. Likewise, in order to provide stablesupport for the container on the floor of the brewing chamber, an outersurface of the distal wall preferably is flat and defines the outerboundary of the container, that is, the container sidewall preferablydoes not extend beyond the distal wall of the container. Alternatively,the outer surface of the distal wall can be shaped to match the shape ofthe surface of the brewing chamber floor, for example rounded if thebrewing chamber floor is rounded.

In order for the outflow tube to maintain a tight fit in the containerthrough-hole 84, a grommet, gasket, or other resilient element can befitted in or around the container through-hole 84, so as to seal the fitbetween the outflow tube and the container through-hole 84.Alternatively, all or part of the distal wall can be made of rubber,silicone, or other resilient material. The container through-hole 84 canbe punched or otherwise removed from this resilient material, or asimple slit or cross-slits can be cut into the resilient material,through which the outflow tube can be pushed to enter the interior ofthe container. Regardless of the particular arrangement, it ispreferable that the container through-hole 84 or slit conform to theouter dimension of the outflow tube to reduce leakage. As mentionedabove, the container through-hole 84 is located in the distal wall in alocation corresponding to the location of the outflow tube. If thedistal wall includes a slit rather than a through-hole, several slitscan be made in the distal wall so the container can be used withdifferent models of beverage brewers having outflow tubes in differentpositions, providing flexibility in use of the container. Because thedistal wall is made of a resilient material, the slits close off anypotential opening until the outflow tube is pushed through. As anotheralternative, the distal wall can include no through-hole or slits, andinstead can be a completely closed surface. This configuration of thedistal wall can be used when the outflow tube is a sharpened outflowneedle, which can puncture the distal wall in the proper location whenthe container is placed in position for use.

Referring to FIGS. 23A and B and 24, the container of the extractionnozzle cleaner 80 can be a frusto-conical-shaped cup that is deep enoughto capture a portion of the extraction nozzle 19 b in an interior 83.The container can be sized so as to be used in brewing chambers ofvarious sizes, or can be sized for use in the brewing chamber of aparticular beverage brewer. A purpose of the container is to contain thespray 38 of liquid from the brewing chamber cleaner 31 i and to directthe liquid to the extraction nozzle, and therefore the size and shape isimmaterial to the function of the container. Therefore, the containercan be for example, cylindrical, or can have a rectangularcross-section, and any size or shape of container that will fit in abrewing chamber is contemplated for use as the container of theextraction nozzle cleaner 80 of the invention. The container can beshaped as a frustoconical cup, or can take any other shape so long as itcan receive fluid from the dispersal member 68 and pass it to theoutflow tube. It is also possible that the container can be used withoutthe lid, in this case receiving fluid directly from the injection tube.Alternatively, the container can be shaped to direct the fluid to theoutflow tube, such as by providing a cone-shaped container in which thetip fits over the outflow tube. As another alternative, the containercan be a flexible or rigid tube directly connecting the injection tubeto the outflow tube.

The extraction nozzle cleaner 80 includes a top portion 86 configured toengage the skirt 74 of the brewing chamber cleaner 31 i (see FIG. 21).The top portion 86 can include an annular recess 82 for positiveengagement with the annular ring 76 of the brewing chamber cleaner 31 i,and/or can a surface configured to cooperate with the scoring 75 on theskirt 74 to securely friction-fit the extraction nozzle cleaner 80 tothe brewing chamber cleaner 31 i. This scoring 75 can be cuts,scratches, or other texturing that increases the friction of the surfaceof the top portion 86, the mating surface of the skirt 74, or both, suchthat the skirt 74 can be press-fit into the container securely for usein cleaning the extraction nozzle but allowing for easy extraction ofthe skirt 74 from the container. Of course, any mechanism for mating theskirt 74 to the container, such as a snap-fit arrangement, a threadedscrew-on arrangement, or the like is contemplated for use with the skirt74 and container of the invention.

Thus, the extraction nozzle cleaner 80 can be a sturdy plastic cup orother container including a pre-formed container through-hole 84 alignedwith the extraction nozzle 19 b (see FIG. 2), and the base 81 of theextraction nozzle cleaner 80 can be a rubber material or other flexiblematerial configured to slide over the extraction nozzle 19 b, providinga seal. The extraction nozzle cleaner 80 base 81 can also be a thinplastic piece with no pre-formed container through-hole 84, and anextraction nozzle 19 b that is a sharpened needle can pierce the plasticwhen the extraction nozzle cleaner 80 is inserted into the brewingchamber 19, for example, when the brewing chamber lid 14 is closed onthe brewing chamber cleaner 31 i.

When the beverage brewer 10 is operated with cleaning liquid in thewater tank 18 (see FIG. 2) and the brewing chamber cleaner 31 i in thebrewing chamber 19 without the extraction nozzle cleaner 80 attached,the cleaning liquid is sprayed out of the dispersal member 68 againstthe interior of the brewing chamber 19, thus cleaning the brewingchamber 29. When the beverage brewer 10 is operated with cleaning liquidin the water tank 18 (see FIG. 2) and the brewing chamber cleaner 31 iin the brewing chamber 29 with the extraction nozzle cleaner 80attached, the cleaning liquid is sprayed out of the dispersal member 68and into the extraction nozzle cleaner 80, washing the extraction nozzle19 b as the cleaning liquid flows out of the extraction nozzle cleaner80 through the extraction nozzle 19 b. Thus, in any single cleaningcycle, the brewing chamber 29 or the extraction nozzle 19 b can becleaned, and both can be cleaned if multiple cleaning cycles areperformed. The cleaning cycles can be performed in either order, and canbe performed any number of times. The cleaning liquid can be just water,either heated or unheated, or can be a cleaning fluid, diluted orundiluted, such as soapy water or a cleaning solvent. If a cleaningfluid is used, a final step is preferably performed using water only torinse the brewing chamber 29 and extraction nozzle 19 b.

As described, the skirt 74 can be sized to facilitate placement of thecleaner 31 i within the brewing chamber, or can be sized to provide aclose, secure fit with the upper inner sidewall of the brewing chamber.Likewise, the skirt 74 can be sized to facilitate placement of thecleaner 31 i within the extraction nozzle cleaner 80, or can be sized toprovide a close, secure fit with the upper inner sidewall of theextraction nozzle cleaner 80. In order to provide a close fit of thecleaner 31 i with both the brewing chamber and the extraction nozzlecleaner 80, two concentric skirts can be provided. The outer skirt 74can be sized to facilitate placement of the cleaner 31 i within thebrewing chamber or to provide a close, secure fit with the upper innersidewall of the brewing chamber, and the inner skirt 74 can be sized tofacilitate placement of the cleaner 31 i within the extraction nozzlecleaner 80 or to provide a close, secure fit with the upper innersidewall of the extraction nozzle cleaner 80. Thus, if desired, the samecleaner 31 i can be used for cleaning cycles directed to the brewingchamber or the extraction nozzle cleaner 80, and that cleaner 31 i canbe used to provide a close, secure fit with each. Instead of includingtwo skirts, the cleaner 31 i can include a single skirt 74 having athickness such that an outer diameter of the skirt 74 is sized toprovide a close, secure fit with the upper inner sidewall of the brewingchamber, and an inner diameter of the skirt 74 is sized to provide aclose, secure fit with the upper outer sidewall of the brewing chamberextraction nozzle cleaner 80. That is, the outer diameter of the skirt74 can be sized for engagement with the inner sidewall of the brewingchamber, and the inner diameter of the skirt 74 can be sized forengagement with the outer sidewall of the extraction nozzle cleaner 80,thus providing a single skirt 74 that can be used in either cleaningcycle.

Another embodiment of a brewing chamber cleaner 31 j is shown in FIG.25, along with a brewing chamber 29 a, and a brewing material cartridge30 a for the brewing chamber 29 a. As shown, this embodiment of thebrewing chamber cleaner 31 j is particularly useful when cleaning abrewing chamber 29 a in which the brewing material cartridge 30 a isarranged on its side in the brewing chamber 29 a for beverage brewing,and the injection nozzle 19 a and extraction nozzle 29 b are botharranged in a brewing chamber lid 14 a. The brewing chamber cleaner 31 jincludes a first through-hole 47 for the injection nozzle 19 a, and asecond through-hole 47 a for the extraction nozzle 19 b.

Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, a lid 32 a of the brewing chamber cleaner31 j includes an extended portion 32 b including the through-hole 47 afor the extraction nozzle 19 b, and a skirt 74 a providing clearance forthe extraction nozzle 19 b. The brewing chamber cleaner 31 j isotherwise similar to the brewing chamber cleaner 31 i described above.

Referring to FIGS. 28A and 28B, the interior of the extraction nozzlecleaner 80 a includes an extraction nozzle clearance area 83 a providingspace for the extraction nozzle 19 b. The extraction nozzle cleaner 80 ais otherwise similar to the extraction nozzle cleaner 80 describedabove.

Referring to FIG. 29, a brewing chamber 29 b is configured to receive abrewing cartridge 30 h, for example, of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 8,087,347, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.Referring to FIGS. 30A and B and 31, a brewing chamber cleaner 31 kincludes a lid portion 32, an inlet column 88, and a support member 89to position the brewing chamber cleaner 31 k in the brewing chamber 29b. A cylindrical extension 68 is generally centered in the brewingchamber 29 b and includes orifices 70. The inlet column 88 includes atapered inlet 47. The brewing chamber cleaner 31 k is otherwise similarto the brewing chamber cleaner 31 i described above.

Referring FIG. 32, a multi-cup beverage brewer 90 includes a brewingchamber 94 for receiving a portion of brewing material 92 to make amulti-cup amount of brewed beverage released into a carafe 96. Thebrewing chamber cleaner 92 preferably rests on a top edge of the brewingchamber 94, but can rest on features of the interior of the brewingchamber 94. Other than size, and positioning features, the brewingchamber cleaner 92 can be similar to any of the brewing chamber cleaners31-31 i.

With reference to FIGS. 33-40, a brewing chamber cleaner 100 is providedfor use with a beverage brewer that has multiple injection nozzles orneedles. The brewing chamber cleaner 100 includes a lid 101 having outerand inner surfaces. Preferably, the lid is round, and the inner andouter surfaces are planar and parallel, although the lid can assume anyshape. A number of dispersal members 102 are attached to and extend fromthe inner surface of the lid 101, for example, at a right angle as shownor at any angle suitable to facilitate a desired spray pattern. Thedispersal members 102 are, for example, tubular, cylindrical, orfrusto-conical, preferably having a round cross-section, each with asidewall that encloses a hollow interior. Each sidewall terminates atthe inner surface of the lid 101 at through-hole 103 in the lid 101, andthe other end of each dispersal member 102 has an at least partiallyclosed, preferably blunt surface at the termination of the sidewall toprovide backflow pressure of fluid within the dispersal members 102. Thethrough-holes 103 at the ends of the dispersal members 102 provide fluidcommunication from the outer surface of the lid 101 to the interior ofthe dispersal members 102, and the dispersal members 102 are preferablysealed against the inner surface of the lid 101 at the through-holes103. A skirt 104 also extends outward from the inner surface of the lid101. The skirt 104 has a sidewall that can be uniformly cylindrical,tiered, or tapered at any point along the sidewall.

The sidewalls of the dispersal members 102 include a number of apertures105 arranged in the distal half of the dispersal members 102, that is,toward the closed end of the dispersal members 102, and can cut into theclosed end as shown. Preferably, the apertures 105 are arranged only atthe distal half of the dispersal members 102, but any arrangement can bemade that provides a desired spray pattern. The apertures 105 allowfluid communication from the hollow interior of the dispersal members102 to outside the dispersal members 102, such that liquid inside thedispersal members 102 can spray outward. Selective placement,orientation, and shape of the apertures 105 can advantageously directthe spray and affect the intensity of the spray. For example, theapertures 105 can have a cross-section varying in size and/or shape orhaving a uniform size and/or shape, and can be elongated or compact. Theexemplary embodiments shown in the drawing have one row of apertures105, but the dispersal members 102 can have any number of rows ofapertures 105. The apertures 105 need not be arranged in rows at all,and can be distributed on the sidewall in any manner. Preferably, theapertures 105 are sized and shaped to provide a spray that is generallyperpendicular to the dispersal member 102 sidewalls and directed to thebrewing chamber sidewall. For example, the apertures 105 can have across-section that is round, or square, or compacted, or elongated.

The brewing chamber cleaner 100 skirt 104 is configured to guide thebrewing chamber cleaner 100 into optimal position above the brewingchamber 29 (see FIG. 2) and to resist or limit lateral movement of thecleaner 100 when in use. The skirt 104 can be tapered or tiered tosimplify placement on the brewing chamber 29. The skirt 104 can be sizedfor a tight fit against a brewing chamber for cleaning or can be sizedsmaller for general placement of the cleaner 100. If the tighter fit isdesired, the skirt 104 can include a seal, for example in the form of aresilient annular ring, to fill any gap between the skirt 104 and thewall of the brewing chamber.

Thus, the brewing chamber cleaner 100 is a beverage brewer sprayapparatus that can be used to spray the walls of a beverage brewer inorder to rinse residue from the walls and clean the interior of thebrewing chamber. Water, heated or not, can be used with the cleaner 100,or cleaning fluid can be used to spray the brewing chamber.

For example, a typical beverage brewer for use with the cleaner 100includes an injection tube, a brewing chamber configured to receivefluid from the injection tube, and an outflow tube configured to receivefluid from the brewing chamber. During a brewing process, the injectiontube receives water, typically heated, and provides the water to thebrewing chamber. The brewing chamber typically contains a carrier forground brewing material, such as a filter pod (or a similar carrier,such as a tea bag), a plastic single-use beverage cartridge (such as aKeurig® K-Cup®), or a reusable beverage material holder (such as any ofthe Perfect Pod® reusable filter cups). Water from the injection tubepasses through the ground beverage material in the carrier to brew thebeverage, which then flows out of the brewing chamber through theoutflow tube. If the carrier has a closed, water-impermeable surface,the injection tube can be an injection needle with a sharp edge.Likewise, the outflow tube can be an outflow needle having a sharp edge.The cleaner 100 is used in place of the brewing material carrier whencleaning instead of brewing is desired.

The skirt 104 is configured to guide the dispersal members 102 into anopen end of the brewing chamber so that the dispersal members 102 arearranged within the interior of the brewing chamber. That is, an outersurface of the skirt and a surface of the interior of the brewingchamber are configured for mutual sliding engagement so that the skirt104 is removably coupled to the brewing chamber such that the dispersalmembers 102 are disposed in the interior of the brewing chamber. Theskirt 104 can be sized to provide a close fit against the inner sidewallof the brewing chamber, or can be sized for a less close fit so that itfacilitates proper placement of the cleaner 100, which can be supportedabove the brewing chamber by the lid 101. For example, a rim 106 of thelid 101 can extend radially beyond the outer edge of the skirt 104 tosupport the brewing chamber cleaner 100 above the brewing chamber 29whether the fit is close or not. The skirt 104 can include scoring toprovide a friction fit to the walls of the brewing chamber. That is, thesurface of the skirt 104 can have scratches or be otherwise textured toincrease the friction of the surface of the skirt 104. Alternatively,the outer surface of the skirt 104 can include a raised portion, such asan annular raised portion, and the surface of the interior of thebrewing chamber can include a corresponding recessed portion to providemutual sliding positive engagement. As another alternative to scoring onthe skirt 104 surface, the skirt 104 can include a seal, such as aresilient ring captured in a groove or other sealing arrangement. Thescoring and seal shown on other embodiments of the cleaner herein can beapplied to this embodiment as well.

The lid through-holes 103 are arranged in the lid so as to be configuredto receive ends of the injection tubes, whether sharpened or not, sothat the dispersal members 102 receive fluid (water or cleaning fluid)from the injection tubes and disperses the received fluid through theplurality of apertures 105 in the dispersal members 102, aided by thebackflow pressure created at the closed portion of the ends of thedispersal members 102. The apertures 105 are sized and oriented todisperse the fluid radially away from the dispersal members 102 andagainst the sidewall of the brewing chamber so as to clean the brewingchamber sidewall. Some of the apertures 105 can be configured to directthe flow of fluid downward to wash the floor of the brewing chamber, butat least some of the apertures 105 are configured to direct the flowspecifically at the brewing chamber sidewall. The dispersal members 102themselves can also be angled to direct the flow of fluid as desired.

The apertures 105 are configured to provide this direction of flow, forexample, by the size, shape, and angle of the aperture 105 within thesidewall of the dispersal members 102. That is, the sidewall of thedispersal members 102 has a thickness, and therefore each aperture 105has a three-dimensional shape within the dispersal members 102 sidewall.The apertures 105 can all be sized and shaped uniformly, or differentlyin sets, or independently, with the resulting spray coordinating toproduce the desired coverage on the sidewalls of the brewing chamber, aswell as on the floor of the brewing chamber if desired. Any or all ofthe apertures 105 can be cylindrical, with parallel walls and a uniformdiameter. Alternatively, any or all of the apertures 105 can vary incross-section along the length of the aperture, either uniformly in aconical cross-section, or modulating, or undulating (periodically orotherwise). Regardless of shape, any or all of the apertures 105 can beangled in any direction. The combination of the length, shape, anddirection of the aperture, as well as the pressure of the fluid in theinterior of the dispersal members 102, will dictate the pattern andforce of the fluid spray 38 out of the dispersal members 102. Theoutflow tube is configured to receive the dispersed fluid from thebrewing chamber after it has sprayed the brewing chamber and washed downthe sidewalls of the brewing chamber.

The cleaner 100 can also be used specifically to clean the outflow tube,as described above with reference to FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 24, using anextraction nozzle cleaner 80 that can include a container made offluid-impermeable material. In this arrangement, the skirt 104 and thecontainer are configured to mutually engage such that the open proximalend of the container is removably coupled to the skirt 104, preferablysuch that the lid seals the open proximal end of the container. That is,an outer surface of the skirt 104 and a surface of the interior of thecontainer are configured for mutual sliding engagement so that thecontainer is removably couplable to the skirt 104 such that thedispersal members 102 are disposed in the interior of the container. Inthis case, the skirt 104 is configured to guide the dispersal members102 into the open end of the container so that the dispersal members 102are arranged within the interior of the container.

Preferably, the skirt 104 at least partially encompasses the dispersalmembers 102. For example, the skirt 104 can form a closed ring or bordersurrounding the dispersal members 102 to provide contact around theentire periphery of the brewing chamber. Alternatively, the skirt 104can be made of skirt sections arranged at different locations around thelid, to contact corresponding sections of the periphery of the brewingchamber, with gaps between the sections. For example, the skirt 104 caninclude two skirt sections arranged opposite each other on the lid, witheach section being large enough to secure the lid to the brewing chamberand around the dispersal members 102. It should be apparent that three,four, or any number of skirt sections can make up the skirt 104, as longas they are arranged to secure the lid to the brewing chamber andsurround the dispersal members 102. To provide a secure coupling withthe brewing chamber or container, the length of the skirt 104 withrespect to the length of the dispersal members 102 should also beconsidered. For example, in some applications it would be advantageousfor a distance that the skirt 104 extends outward from the inner surfaceof the lid to be at least half a distance that the dispersal members 102extend from the converse surface of the lid, in order to provide securecoupling between the skirt 104 and the brewing chamber or container.

The skirt 104, whether composed of a single piece or multiple sections,should have a length that provides secure contact with the sidewall ofthe brewing chamber. However, the skirt 104 should not extend lower thanthe lower end of the longest dispersal member 102, and preferably nolower than the portion of the longest dispersal member 102 that includesthe apertures 105. That is, at least the longest dispersal member 102should extend from the converse surface of the lid a distance that isfarther than a distance that the skirt 104 extends from the conversesurface of the lid, so that the skirt 104 doesn't block the spray fromthe apertures 105. Further, the skirt 104 preferably extends from theconverse surface of the lid at a substantially right angle, tocorrespond to the angle of the brewing chamber sidewall. Of course, ifthe brewing chamber sidewall is angled differently, the angle of theskirt 104 should correspond to that angle.

Because the skirt 104 preferably has a tight fit against the sidewall ofthe brewing chamber, the leading end of the skirt 104 can taper inward,to facilitate locating the skirt 104 inside the brewing chamber sidewallbefore pressing down on or screwing in the lid to secure the apparatus.Because the apparatus can be used with various different brewingmachines and therefore with brewing chambers having various differentsizes, the skirt 104 can be fixed to the converse surface of the lid ata distance from the peripheral edge of the lid such that a peripheralportion of the lid extends beyond an outside surface of the skirt 104,forming a ledge 106 around the skirt 104. Therefore, for larger brewingchambers in which the skirt 104 is not a tight fit, the apparatus canstill rest above the brewing chamber, supported by the ledge 106. Also,if the skirt 104 is sized to couple with a container as described above,the apparatus can still be used to clean the brewing chamber when usedwithout the container, again by supporting the apparatus above thebrewing chamber on the ledge.

In order for the cleaner 100 to reliably couple with the container (ifused), the container sidewall preferably has a substantially uniformheight, although this is not necessary, as long as the rim 77 of thecontainer provides a firm surface on which the ledge 106 of the lid 101can rest, or the inner sidewall of the container provides a firm enoughsurface to maintain contact with the skirt 104.

When the beverage brewer 10 is operated with cleaning liquid in thewater tank 18 (see FIG. 2) and the brewing chamber cleaner 100 in thebrewing chamber 29 without the extraction nozzle cleaner 80 attached,the cleaning liquid is sprayed out of the dispersal members 102 againstthe interior wall of the brewing chamber 29, thus cleaning the brewingchamber 19. When the beverage brewer 10 is operated with cleaning liquidin the water tank 18 (see FIG. 2) and the brewing chamber cleaner 100 inthe brewing chamber 29 with the extraction nozzle cleaner 80 attached,the cleaning liquid is sprayed out of the dispersal members 102 and intothe extraction nozzle cleaner 80, washing the extraction nozzle 19 b asthe cleaning liquid flows out of the extraction nozzle cleaner 80through the extraction nozzle 19 b. Thus, in any single cleaning cycle,the brewing chamber 29 or the extraction nozzle 19 b can be cleaned, andboth can be cleaned if multiple cleaning cycles are performed. Thecleaning cycles can be performed in either order, and can be performedany number of times. The cleaning liquid can be just water, eitherheated or unheated, or can be a cleaning fluid, diluted or undiluted,such as soapy water or a cleaning solvent. If a cleaning fluid is used,a final step is preferably performed using water only to rinse thebrewing chamber 29 and extraction nozzle 19 b.

As described, the skirt 104 can be sized to facilitate placement of thecleaner 100 within the brewing chamber, or can be sized to provide aclose, secure fit with the upper inner sidewall of the brewing chamber.Likewise, the skirt 104 can be sized to facilitate placement of thecleaner 100 within the extraction nozzle cleaner 80, or can be sized toprovide a close, secure fit with the upper inner sidewall of theextraction nozzle cleaner 80. In order to provide a close fit of thecleaner 100 with both the brewing chamber and the extraction nozzlecleaner 80, two concentric skirts can be provided, such that the overallskirt is tiered as shown in the drawings. The outer skirt 104 can besized to facilitate placement of the cleaner 100 within the brewingchamber or to provide a close, secure fit with the upper inner sidewallof the brewing chamber, and the inner skirt 104 can be sized tofacilitate placement of the cleaner 100 within the extraction nozzlecleaner 80 or to provide a close, secure fit with the upper innersidewall of the extraction nozzle cleaner 80. Thus, if desired, the samecleaner 100 can be used for cleaning cycles directed to the brewingchamber or the extraction nozzle cleaner 80, and that cleaner 100 can beused to provide a close, secure fit with each. Instead of including twoskirts, the cleaner 100 can include a single skirt 104 having athickness such that an outer diameter of the skirt 104 is sized toprovide a close, secure fit with the upper inner sidewall of the brewingchamber, and an inner diameter of the skirt 104 is sized to provide aclose, secure fit with the upper outer sidewall of the brewing chamberextraction nozzle cleaner 80. That is, the outer diameter of the skirt104 can be sized for engagement with the inner sidewall of the brewingchamber, and the inner diameter of the skirt 104 can be sized forengagement with the outer sidewall of the extraction nozzle cleaner 80,thus providing a single skirt 104 that can be used in either cleaningcycle.

As mentioned above, in this embodiment the lid 101 includes multipleopenings 103 that are configured to accommodate the injection nozzle(s)or needle(s) providing water or cleaning fluid for the cleaning process.These openings 103 are simple through-holes that provide access for thenozzles/needles to apertured, for example slotted, dispersion bays 102as shown, configured to spray the received fluid, or can have any otherconfiguration that accommodates the injection nozzles and sprays thefluid against the interior of the brewing chamber.

Five such openings 103 are shown in the exemplary embodiment, but theopenings 103 can be provided in any number, so as to be suitable for usewith brewing machines having any number of injection nozzles. Also, thedispersion bays 102 can have uniform configurations, or can beconfigured differently to accommodate different configurations ofinjection nozzles or to provide different spray profiles into thebrewing chamber. For example the dispersion bays 102 can have differentsizes, different shapes, and/or different aperture configurations. Forexample, the exemplary embodiment shown includes a larger centraldispersion bay 102 a having a corresponding larger opening 103, and foursmaller dispersion bays 102 b, having corresponding smaller openings. Inthis configuration, the larger dispersion bay 102 a can accommodate alarger main injection nozzle, and the other dispersion bays 102 b canaccommodate smaller injection nozzles. One or more of the dispersionbays 102 can be provided that are wide enough to accommodate more thanone injection nozzle if desired, or a single opening or bay can beprovided that is wide enough to accommodate all of the injectionnozzles. Alternatively, an entire portion of the lid 101 can be recessedto accommodate multiple injection nozzles, or all of the injectionnozzles, and the recess can include one or more dispersion bays 102arranged so as to control the spray of water onto the brewing materialregardless of the geometrical arrangement of the injection nozzles.

It would be beneficial for the lid 101 to be able to accommodatebeverage brewers having a single injection nozzle/needle or any multiplenumber of injection nozzles/needles, so that a single cleaner 100 can beused with any brewer, regardless of design. In this case, the lid 101can include multiple openings 103, and the cleaner 100 can be used withbrewers having a single injection nozzle/needle, or multiple injectionnozzles/needles numbering no more than the number of openings 103, andone or more of the openings 103 can be unused during cleaning. In theembodiment shown, five openings 103 and five corresponding dispersionbays 102 are shown, and therefore this embodiment can be used to cleanbrewers having five injection nozzles/needles, or brewers having asingle injection nozzles/needle, or brewers having two, three, or fourinjection nozzles/needles. However, it is contemplated that the numberand geometric arrangement of the openings 103 and correspondingdispersion bays 102, as well as the size and shape of each opening 103and corresponding dispersion bay 102, can vary to accommodate anyparticular beverage brewer, and any such embodiment is intended to beincluded within the scope of the invention.

The cleaner 100 can, but need not, include plugs that can be removablyinserted into any unused openings 103 during the cleaning process,effectively preventing splashing through the unused openings 103. Suchplugs should be formed of a resilient, heat-resistant material, such assilicone. The plugs can be inserted into individual unused openings 103as needed, and can include nubs on the top and/or side to facilitateremoval from the openings 103 after use. One or more of these plugs canbe tethered to the lid 101, such as to the face or edge of the lid 101,to prevent misplacing the plugs. Alternatively, a number of plugs can betethered together. For example, a ring of plugs can be provided in anynumber desired, individual plugs of which can be inserted into selectedunused openings 103. If the ring is also formed of a flexible materialsuch as silicone, the ring of plugs can be used regardless of thegeometric configuration of unused openings 103, and any unneeded, unusedplugs will remain tethered to the ring during the cleaning process. Thering of plugs can be provided separately from the lid 101, or the ringcan be tethered to the lid. Thus, the plugs, whether providedindividually or as part of a ring, allow for flexibility in use of thebeverage brewing cleaner 100, so that a beverage brewing cleaner 100with a lid 101 having multiple openings 103 can be used with beveragebrewers having any number of nozzles/needles without the potential forsplashing outside the beverage brewing cleaner 100.

In some cases, a brewer having multiple injection nozzles/needles mightnot provide adequate liquid pressure at the nozzles/needles to spraythrough the dispersion bays 102 and against the brewing chamber wallsduring a cleaning cycle. In such a case, one or more openings 103 andcorresponding dispersion bays 102 can be blocked so as not to allowfluid to flow from the corresponding dispersion bays 102, so that morefluid pressure is diverted to the unblocked dispersion bays 102,allowing for a more forceful spray from those dispersion bays 102. Inthis case, the plugs described above can be hollow, that is, concave, soas to be able to accommodate the nozzle/needle while in the dispersionbays 102 while still preventing fluid from flowing through thatdispersion bays 102 into the brewing chamber. Alternatively, the plugcan be solid, but include a sheath to closely receive the nozzle/needleto prevent fluid from flowing through that dispersion bay 102 into thebrewing chamber, or even to prevent liquid from flowing from thatnozzle/needle altogether. As another alternative, the plugs can besolid, having a body made from foam or other penetrable but resilientmaterial so as to firmly hold the nozzle/needle and prevent fluid flow.According to other embodiments, the need for plugs can be avoided byproviding some bays that do not have dispersion apertures 105, andinstead are merely unperforated recessed regions that accommodate thenozzles/needles but do not allow liquid through the bays and into thebrewing chamber. In this case, at least one of the dispersion bays 102would still have apertures 105 in order to allow for spray from thatdispersion bay 102 to clean the brewing chamber.

Regardless of the particular implementation, the blocked nozzles/needlesdo not provide fluid to the inside of the brewing chamber, allowing theunblocked nozzles/needles to provide fluid at a higher pressure thanwould otherwise be possible if all nozzles/needles were unblocked. Forexample, a lid 101 can be provided in which only a central openingincludes a dispersion bay 102 having apertures 105, and the other baysare only recessed regions that have no apertures 105. In this case, onlythe central dispersion bay 102 would provide a spray of fluid againstthe walls of the brewing chamber in order to clean the chamber.Alternatively, only certain peripheral dispersion bay 102 will haveapertures 105 in order to provide spray, or all dispersion bays 102 willhave apertures 105 but some dispersion bays 102 will be plugged toprevent fluid spray in the brewing chamber. Any combination of bayshaving and not having apertures 105 and plugs is contemplated accordingto the invention in order to optimize the spray pressure against thewalls of the brewing chamber.

To be sure that the beverage brewing cleaner 100 aligns properly withthe nozzle/needle pattern of a particular brewer, the lid 101 can bekeyed to correspond to the brewing chamber or other element of thebrewer, so that alignment of the keying elements corresponds toalignment of the nozzles/needles with the openings 103. For example,elements of the beverage brewing cleaner 100 and/or brewer can benotched and/or can include corresponding ears to ensure properrotational orientation of the beverage brewing cleaner 100 in thebrewing chamber when arranged for the brewing process, so that theopenings 103, with or without plugs, align properly with thenozzles/needles. With or without keying, the lid 101 can include anindicator 107, that is, a marking such as an arrow or pointer, toindicate alignment for a user. The cleaner 100 can also include one ormore handles or ears 108 on the sides or top of the lid that aregraspable to facilitate placement and removal of the cleaner 100 on thebrewing chamber 29 or extraction nozzle cleaner 80. These ears caninclude a latching element that mates with a corresponding latchingelement on the brewing chamber 29 or extraction nozzle cleaner 80 toprovide a secure fit absent scoring, sealing, or other mating features.

In use, beverage brewing cleaner 100 can be placed above the brewingchamber 29 of a beverage brewer, either supported on the upper edge ofthe brewing chamber 29 by the ledge 106, or fitted to the inner wall ofthe brewing chamber 29 by the skirt 104. When the brewer is actuated,injection needles or nozzles will be received by one or more of the lidopenings 103 and will inject water or cleaning fluid against the wallsof the brewing chamber 29, directed by the dispersion bays 102, therebycleaning the brewing chamber 29. The water or cleaning fluid will thenflow out of the brewing chamber 29 through the outflow needle or nozzleof the brewer and eventually into a container for disposal.Alternatively, the cleaner 100 will couple with an extraction nozzlecleaner 80 prior to placement within the brewing chamber 29, so that thewater or cleaning fluid will flow through the outflow needle or nozzleof the brewer without spraying the brewing chamber walls, therebycleaning the outflow needle or nozzle of the brewer.

The invention has been described by way of example and in terms ofpreferred embodiments. However, the invention as contemplated by theinventor is not strictly limited to the particularly disclosedembodiments. To the contrary, various modifications, as well as similararrangements, are included within the spirit and scope of the invention.The invention, therefore, should be accorded the broadest reasonableinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similararrangements.

I claim:
 1. A beverage brewer spray apparatus, comprising: a lid havingan obverse surface, a converse surface, and an open peripheral edge,wherein the obverse surface of the lid includes at least one recessedregion; a dispersal member fixed to and extending from the conversesurface of the lid at an open proximal end of the dispersal member; anda skirt having a proximal end fixed to and extending outward from theconverse surface of the lid at a distance from the dispersal member;wherein the dispersal member has a sidewall and a distal end togetherdefining an interior of the dispersal member, wherein the sidewall has aplurality of apertures formed therethrough, wherein the apertures arearranged in a distal section of the sidewall, and wherein the distal endis at least partially closed; wherein the lid has a lid through-holeformed between the obverse surface and the converse surface, and thedispersal member is fixed to the converse surface of the lid such thatthe lid through-hole provides fluid communication from the obversesurface of the lid to the plurality of apertures through the interior ofthe dispersal member; and wherein the apertures are configured to directliquid from the interior of the dispersal member generally outward fromthe dispersal member.
 2. The beverage brewer spray apparatus of claim 1,wherein the apertures perforate an edge of the distal end of thedispersal member.
 3. The beverage brewer spray apparatus of claim 1,wherein the apertures are arranged in a row around an end of thedispersal member.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apertures areconfigured within a thickness of the sidewalls of the dispersal membersto direct liquid from the interior of the dispersal member generallyoutward from the dispersal member to at least the distance from thedispersal member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apertures areconfigured as to at least one of shape and angle within the thickness ofthe sidewalls of the dispersal member.
 6. The beverage brewer sprayapparatus of claim 1, wherein the apertures are angled within athickness of the sidewalls of the dispersal member so as not to beperpendicular to the sidewalls of the dispersal member.
 7. The beveragebrewer spray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apertures are arranged ina distal half of the dispersal member.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the dispersal member extends from the converse surface of thelid a distance that is farther than a distance that the skirt extendsfrom the converse surface of the lid.
 9. The beverage brewer sprayapparatus of claim 8, wherein the apertures are arranged a distance awayfrom the converse surface of the lid that is farther than a distancethat a distal end of the skirt is arranged from the converse surface ofthe lid.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the obverse surface andthe converse surface are substantially planar and parallel to eachother.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of thedispersal member is sealed to the converse surface of the lid at the lidthrough-hole.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a proximal portionof the skirt extends from the converse surface of the lid at asubstantially right angle and a distal portion of the skirt tapersinward.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the skirt is fixed to theconverse surface of the lid at a distance from the peripheral edge ofthe lid such that a peripheral portion of the lid extends beyond anoutside surface of the skirt, forming a ledge of the lid around theskirt.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the ledge is configured tobe supported on an outer edge of a brewing chamber, and the skirt isconfigured to be arranged within the brewing chamber when the ledge issupported on the outer edge of the brewing chamber.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the skirt is configured to engage a sidewall of thebrewing chamber such that the skirt is removably coupled to the brewingchamber such that the lid seals an open end of the brewing chamber. 16.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the skirt is tiered such that aportion of the skirt closest to the lid has a larger diameter than aportion of the skirt farthest from the lid.
 17. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the skirt is tapered such that a portion of the skirt closestto the lid has a larger diameter than a portion of the skirt farthestfrom the lid.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a distance that theskirt extends outward from the converse surface of the lid is at leasthalf a distance that the dispersal member extends from the conversesurface of the lid.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the dispersalmember is a first dispersal member; the lid through-hole is a first lidthrough-hole; and the apparatus further comprises: at least oneadditional lid through-hole formed between the obverse surface and theconverse surface, and at least one additional dispersal member fixed tothe converse surface of the lid such that each said lid through-holeprovides fluid communication from the obverse surface of the lid to theplurality of apertures through the interior of a corresponding one ofthe at least one additional dispersal members.
 20. A beverage brewer andspray apparatus arrangement, comprising; a beverage brewer; and thebeverage brewer spray apparatus of claim 1; wherein the beverage brewerincludes a plurality of injection tubes, a brewing chamber configured toreceive fluid from the injection tubes, and an outflow tube configuredto receive fluid from the brewing chamber; wherein the skirt isconfigured to guide the dispersal members into an open proximal end ofthe brewing chamber such that the dispersal member is arranged within aninterior of the brewing chamber; wherein the lid through-hole isconfigured to receive a corresponding end of one of the injection tubessuch that the dispersal member receives the fluid from the correspondinginjection tube and disperses the received fluid through the plurality ofapertures; wherein each said lid recessed region is configured toreceive a corresponding end of another of the injection tubes such thateach said recessed region prevents the fluid from the correspondinginjection tube from entering the brewing chamber; wherein the aperturesare configured to direct the fluid generally outward from the dispersalmember against a sidewall of the brewing chamber; and wherein theoutflow tube is configured to receive the dispersed fluid from thebrewing chamber.